Howard Soon has just announced he's retiring from his job as Master Winemaker at Andrew Peller Estates, aka Calona Wines, Sandhill, Red Rooster ... and so on. I figure it’s a really good time to tell the truth about Howard. He’s one of the most sincere people you’ll ever meet in the wine industry—an industry [...]
Update: The New District 2017 Wine Advent Calendar For the wine lover in your life who thinks they have everything, consider ND’s iconic Wine Advent Calendar—the calendar that started it all! “For the third year, we are delighted to offer our highly-anticipated, exclusive wine advent calendar. The 2017 Wine Advent Calendar features 24 full-sized bottles [...]
Amovino is the name of a new agency making its mark on the BC wine scene. It’s the brainchild of Jessica Luongo and Marisa Varas. They're a couple of smart, young women who decided to pool their experience and resources. I’ve been following this new enterprise with interest. I got to know Jessica Luongo during [...]
At Garagiste North: "The Small Guys" Wine Festival, you'll find only wineries making under 2,000 cases a year.
Malbec is emblematic of Argentina. Every wine region has its own, ‘signature’ wine or style, blend or variety. The Germans remain Riesling champions of the world. Italy’s Veneto lays claim to the uniqueness of apassimento and Amarone. The Chileans still care about Carmenere (though less so, perhaps, these days). And the French have a lock [...]
Bodega Garzon: an introduction to Uruguay's impressive new winery and resort, with reviews and tasting notes
D'Oro Gelato: A moment in the sun Vintners Brunch is a bit like that favourite item on a restaurant menu. It might feel a little bit dated. Maybe it needs a freshen up now and again. However, tweak it too much and you’ll be in trouble. What's more, for the lucky few (well, 450 or [...]
Mirabel makes its mark A few months ago I was sitting in a corner by the cozy fireplace at Vancouver's Bacchus Lounge. I was there to meet Doug and Dawn Reimer. They were in town to preview their (inaugural) Mirabel Vineyards Pinot Noir 2015. In many ways the couple epitomize the new wave of Okanagan [...]
Tidal Bay wines have a special place in the heart of one Nova Scotian winemaker. Pete Luckett is the driving force behind Luckett Vineyards. He and his wife, Sue, established their Gaspereau Valley winery in 2010. I met him last week, during the Vancouver International Wine Festival. There was definitely a buzz around Nova Scotia [...]
Wine Festival! As just about everyone in Vancouver knows, it’s that time of year when the whole city puts on its #winelover hat and heads down to the convention centre. This year, at the 30th #VIWF, however, things are a bit different. The theme region at Vancouver International Wine Festival—for the first time ever—is Canada. [...]
